Chacala Beach Weekend
May 2018 While living in Mexico, I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by a group of strong and supportive women. Whether we are sitting around the plastic tables of Res publica for our favorite steak dinner or on the sandy beaches of the Pacific, these friends fill my heart and soul. This weekend, the…
Literacy Conference in Ohio
(Originally posted February 2018) Last week I attended a three day literacy conference in Columbus, Ohio with three other elementary teachers from ASFG. Teachers discover new and inspiring ideas at these conference. We leave full of fresh strategies and revived excitement for old standbys with a new validation after listening to the latest research. We…
Up and Coming Tecomán?
(Originally posted February 2017) The long weekend is a must for getting out of the busy city: dust, traffic, construction and general responsibilities in exchange for relaxing, reading and the sea breeze. In lieu of the typical beaches of Vallarta or Sayulita, we went to Tecomán, Colima. Our options were limited, probably due to the…
November Update
(Originally posted December 2016) Last week I visited Minneapolis and Madison on our November break. We had the whole week off of school because the US’s Thanksgiving holiday coincided with Mexico’s Día de la Revolución, the perks of working at an international school. Arriving in Minneapolis, Rachel scooped me up at the airport and…
Closing Out the School Year
(Originally posted June 2016) What an interesting ride this school year has been! This week, I complete my first year of teaching at the American School Foundation of Guadalajara. Yes, I survived all the changes from my previous post and I’ll be returning for another year in August. At ASFG, the fourth grade…
Teacher’s Appreciation Day in Mexico
(Originally posted May 2016) Mexico celebrates big for its Teacher’s Appreciation Day. From school wide to classroom celebrations and even a day off of school, it made for a fun week! On Wednesday, in lieu of our regularly scheduled after school meeting, we had a catered luncheon with the whole staff. Everyone gathered in…
Christmas in Mexico
(Originally posted December 2015) The holiday season looks and feels similar to home, with some slight changes for the warmer climate. I’ve been wearing sandals and short sleeves into December. The holiday lights are strung up on palm trees and poinsettias are planted in the ground, rather than sitting indoors in a planter. Blow up…
Mazamitla, Halloween and Día de los muertos
(Originally posted November 2015) Mazamitla Mazamitla is a small town in the mountains approximately two hours from Guadalajara. Each year at ASFG, the fourth grade generation takes a three-day trip to an eco-lodge in the forest. When asked about the purpose of the trip, my students were spot on: to bond as a generation, to…
Hurricane Patricia and the Race in Tapalpa
(Originally posted October 2015) On Friday we were warned that the strongest storm in recorded history was coming our way. All day long, everyone was glued to their phones and exchanging info about the incoming hurricane. For several weeks, I had been planning on a weekend trip to Tapalpa, a small town about two hours…
Family Visit
(Originally posted October 2015) Last week my parents came for their first visit to Guadalajara to see the city where I’ll be living the next couple of years. I was lucky to catch them on their busy travel, sporting event and art retreat schedule. We had a blast exploring the city, both my favorite spots…